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Kelly Daniels

"I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Craig's Hut and High Country ride in January alongside my mum (who celebrated a birthday while on the ride). The entire trip was phenomenal. The High Country was spectacular, it definitely did not disappoint. What an absolutely amazing experience. We were so well looked after

Craig's Hut and High Country

Mel and Darren Pugh

"We really looked forward to this holiday and it lived up to all expectations! From the lovely landlady Teresa, at our B&B to our great hosts Jen and Jeremy and their awesome horses. We both hadn't ridden for a while and my hubby had very little previous experience. We took in wonderful scenery, ate awesome

Tassie Tiger Trail

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Why you’ll love our rides

I’ve been fortunate to explore the world from the back of a horse for the past eight years now. Our portfolio of rides are the bees knees in terms of top-notch horses, charismatic guides, changing scenery and colourful culture.

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The Margaret River Ride, Australia

The Margaret River: synonymous with white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, world-class vineyards, top-shelf regional fare and vino, and a temperate climate. It’s no secret why this southern region of Western Australia has been the number one destination for tourists for decades.

So it’s with great excitement that Globetrotting presents to you The Margaret River Ride, in partnership with husband and wife duo, Paul Brennan and Fiona Flugge. These two beautiful souls have been making equine enthusiasts grin from ear to ear for the past ten years with their morning and afternoon rides from their Margaret River property, which also happens to be a boutique vineyard.

With help from these two locals, we’ve engineered a 5-day, 4-night ride that encompasses everything we love about the iconic Margaret River region. Imagine salty, wind-swept, never-ending beach canters, swimming your horse bareback in the tranquil ocean and riding along secluded bush tracks and wide open wheat-coloured pastures alive with native wildlife including large mobs of kangaroos, emus and red-tail black cockatoos.

Like we did, you’ll fall in love with Paul and Fiona’s property for its home-away-from-home atmosphere, professional, warm-hearted hosts and staff and the long table dinners under a canopy of stars and twinkling festoon lights. And let’s not forget your fully appointed teepees with fresh linen, hurricane lamps and aromatic soaps. This is not run-of-the-mill two-man tent camping, we can vouch for that! With hot showers and flushing toilets a 100-metre walk away, you’ll fall into relaxation mode the moment you arrive at this rural Margaret River property.

We also LOVE that the itinerary kick starts with a Welcome to Country by proud Wardandi woman, Mitchella (Mitch) Hutchins. This will give you a spiritual connection to the bush that you’re about to immerse yourself in for the next five days. You’ll ride through the bush with your eyes wide-open and see the land through an Indigenous perspective.

A string of thirty home-bred and educated Australian Stock Horses are the foundation to this five-day, four-night ride. Never before has Globetrotting seen such a superior mob of guest horses! You’ll fall in love with every one of them and truly appreciate their versatility, athleticism, intelligence and calm disposition. The Margaret River ride is ideal for riders who are keen to jump on a knowing, soft, responsive horse that will take you on deserted beach canters, salty bareback ocean swims, rides down remote bush tracks fringed with wildflowers (spring season), and wait patiently while you sip wine at a local vineyard.

From arrival to departure you’ll taste and drink some of the best regional food and wine that this gourmet hub has to offer. If you’ve always wanted to explore this very special part of Australia then you MUST make a beeline for The Margaret River Ride.

It’s worth noting that The Margaret River Ride is PERFECT for the rider who is either a beginner, out-of-practice or nervous, and wishes to gain confidence and experience in a safe and fun environment. There is nothing better to kick-start your riding career or take your riding to the next level than five consecutive days in the saddle, where you can choose whether to ride in the morning or afternoon.

And if you’re an experienced rider, rest assured, this ride is ALSO a perfect fit for you. With two guides on each ride, when it comes time to increase the pace, intermediate and experienced riders will be able to trot and canter to their heart’s content while the beginners go at a pace they’re comfortable with.

SO with that said, this ride is perfect for everyone from couples where one is experienced and the other is learning, to families who are of varying abilities, to intermediate to experienced riders keen to jump fallen logs and canter along the beach.

FAST FACTS

time in the saddle: five to six hours each day

breed of horses: Australian Stock Horse, Quarter Horse cross, Thoroughbred and Arabian. The majority of the guest herd are home-bred and educated on the host’s property.

pace: varying paces.

riding ability: caters for beginner to experienced riders. *If you are a beginner rider, you’re expected to be capable of riding your horse at a walk, posting/rising to the trot and cantering (or need to build your cantering confidence and be willing to learn).

September 6 to 10, 2019 *wildflowers in bloom – FOUR globetrotters booked

September 16 to 20, 2019 *wildflowers in bloom – SOLD OUT!

November 1 to 5, 2019 – SOLD OUT!

November 22 to 26, 2019 – SOLD OUT!

2019 departure rates:

$2,950 AUD per person, inclusive of meals, accommodation and riding

A non-rider price of $2,300 AUD per person is also available, inclusive of meals, accommodation and activities other than horse riding (Artist’s Studio, Berry Farm, beach, vineyard lunch etc). Assistance can be provided with coordinating external tours.

*Single supplement is available upon request for $255.

2020 departure dates:

February 14 to 18, 2020

March 6 to 10, 2020

May 1 to 5, 2020

September 18 to 22, 2020

November 2 to 6, 2020

November 27 to December 1, 2020

2020 departure rates:

$3,260 AUD per person, inclusive of meals, accommodation and riding

A non-rider price of $2,340 AUD per person is also available, inclusive of meals, accommodation and activities other than horse riding (Artist’s Studio, Berry Farm, beach, vineyard lunch etc). Assistance can be provided with coordinating external tours.

*Single supplement is available upon request for $255.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Payment can be made via direct debit (Australian residents only) or credit card which includes a 2% surcharge.

TRANSFER INFORMATION

We recommend you arrive in Margaret River the day before the ride begins so you’re ready to meet at the property, Jesters Flat, at 9.30am on day 1. It would be best that globetrotters find their own way to Margaret River for the start of the ride – the drive from Perth to Margaret River is approximately three hours. Various car hire companies (approximately $300 for a six day hire) and public bus services (South West Coachlines, TransWA) are available from Perth.

While on the ride, all transfers are covered in the cost, including a final transfer from the beach ride on day 5 to either Jesters Flat or Margaret River accommodation. Private vehicles can be parked at Jesters Flat for the duration of the ride.

On the last day, guests have two options for departure. You can choose to leave from the beach near Busselton after the morning’s ride, at around 12 midday. Or you can head back to Jester’s Flat for one final afternoon ride which will finish at around 4pm, after which you can depart. If you choose the latter option, we recommend you book another night’s accommodation in the area, before heading back to Perth or onwards travel the following day.

FURTHER READING AND VIEWING

Check out this video to see the landscapes you will be traversing and the aqua blue oceans you can enjoy a salty swim in.

Want to find out more about your guides and the outfit they run on this epic adventure? Click here.

Keen to take one of their home-bred Australian Stock Horses for a spin? You MUST check out this post about Alice, a beautiful steel grey mare!

Globetrotter Tracy Malone claimed her experience on this ride was the ‘best holiday ever!’ You can read more about what she thought here.

Janine Hanks

"The Margaret River Ride crew were just fantastic. Their horses are perfect for the job, couldn't ask for better. Quite a few had played Polocrosse so they're super quiet and not much at all bothers them. The guides were more than happy to put the foot on the accelerator occasionally, without thrashing the horses, which was great. A lot of local knowledge was shared. It wasn't competitive, it was always about having some fun, relaxation and enjoyment. The guides were able to provide some flexibility e.g. bringing truck to pick up some horses if it was wet or if riders were sore - wherever they could, they'd accommodate. You won't find better hosts in Australia."

Margaret River Ride

Emma Stein

I had a truly lovely time on the Margaret River Ride. For me the memorable aspects were: My two companions, Terena & Janine who were fun, easy going, warm & considerate; Sally & Keith provided us with more friendliness, insights into local lives, really outstanding home cooked meals, more laughs and care; Paul & Fiona were caring hosts who were flexible and ready to adapt how much riding we wanted to do, organise a remedial massage for my aching hip, often shared meals with us and added to the lively conversation and our stay with just the right amount of entertainment and other activities. But they also left us to it when we were happy to sit and read, play on our computers, and generally while away a lazy rainy afternoon; The atmosphere is special & addictive. We rode through beautiful open fields, tranquil forest tracks, gorgeous other properties and the beach with long canter stretches.

Emma SteinMargaret River Ride

Terene Solomons

"Five fun days on fantastic horses with friendly hosts exploring the Margaret River forests, farms and vineyards. Fabulous local food and wine."

Margaret River Ride

Vanessa Peltier

"I loved every minute of the Margaret River Ride - the gorgeous setting, the amazing hosts, the superb horses, the beautiful area, the delicious food and of course the incredibly fun polo cross! We were lucky to have a lovely group of Globetrotters who all got on so well. Paul, Fiona and all the crew are wonderful and I can't wait to do it all over again!"

Margaret River Ride

Pauline Crawford

"Paul and Fiona are genuinely lovely and accommodating hosts in their beautiful slice of Australia. They advertised their ride as suitable for riders and those returning to riding, and they delivered in spades. We arrived as clients and left as friends - and we will all be back!"

Margaret River Ride

Tracy Malone

"The food is excellent, the wine is even better and the setting is to die for. Paul and Fiona were so accommodating to each of our needs. Thank you for the work that you have done to make my holiday the best ever!"

Margaret River Ride

Belinda Grimes

"Take me back! We didn't want to leave - seriously... and immediately after leaving, we were having withdrawals... I couldn't recommend it more, and can't wait to go back.

The Margaret River ride was simply spectacular. Paul and Fiona welcomed us like family and it was very sad to leave. Paul's horsemanship and knowledge of the local area was second to none (and he doesn't tell a bad yarn either). All of the horses were amazing and Paul did a great job of matching horses to riders to give everyone the best experience. These weren't your everyday "trail ride" horses. They were well educated, well behaved and lovely natured.

Then there were the amazing people we met... we couldn't have had nicer hosts. Paul and Fiona were very accommodating and nothing was too much trouble. Sally and Keith were like long lost friends and it was a pleasure to be in their company (not to mention they're bloody brilliant cooks and catered to everyone's requirements). Each of the girls that joined us on the rides were friendly, genuine and truly lovely people. Jesters Flat appears to be a magnet for kind, humble and genuinely nice people.

For the Globetrotters who are already booked on this ride - get excited, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. For those who are thinking about, just do it, it will be one of the best experiences of your life."

Margaret River Ride

Leanne Ricardo

"Highly recommend the Margaret River Ride, you will NOT be disappointed. It caters for all levels of riding and is especially great for those starting out. I felt safe the entire time. When not riding, the holiday was packed will constant entertainment."

Margaret River Ride

Olivia Benefield

"I had a fantastic riding holiday in Margaret River with Paul and Fiona and their team, plus the 6 other lovely globetrotters. The horses were amazing, I rode Lilly who was awesome - so well natured and beautifully trained. We had a great few days riding over different country, visiting lots of places as well as going to the beach and having a go at polocrosse and games. We were all strangers to begin with but I think we left as friends - thanks Globetrotting for renewing my addiction to horse riding holidays!"

Margaret River Ride

Margaret Poulter

"Every day was different and unique, from all the trail rides to different locations including the unique art gallery/house to the Yoga morning, providing the opportunity to have massages, the Indigenous learning, wine appreciation evening, entertainment provided by piano player/bush band, learning about grape growing and vineyards......the list is nearly endless!!! The whole experience was unique and unforgettable!! Paul and Fiona were a mine of information and very happy to share their knowledge and experience making the holiday so much more enjoyable. They went above and beyond to ensure we all had the best experience possible!"

Margaret River Ride

Lee Powrie

"Every day I thought was The Best - and then the next day arrived and it was The Best - and so it went on. The stand out? So difficult to choose - the novelty for me was the afternoon of polo cross and games. I loved it. All in all a WONDERFUL wonderful time!"

Margaret River Ride

Monica Foster

"There are not enough words in the thesaurus to describe how amazing the Margaret River Ride is! Fiona, Paul and the team did everything in their power to ensure we were all looked after in every possible way! Sally and Keith made sure we didn't go a minute without a decent feed and for that I'm very grateful! The lovely ladies that came out on this journey also made the trip so much better! The horses - I would take Lexi home in a heartbeat! She was just brilliant! This trip was the first of many and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything!"

Did you have a favourite day or experience while on your globetrotting holiday?

"Obviously cantering for miles along an endless stretch of pristine beach is every girl's dream so I have to say that was the highlight of my trip - probably even my life! But each day brought something new and as I had not seen that part of WA before, I loved all of the scenery - beach, bush and countryside."

Margaret River Ride

Lieu Chi Nguyen

"I had an absolutely brilliant time at Jester's Flat. My horse George was beautiful, the trails we rode on were varied in pace and terrain, the staff were always there to give riding tips, the food was plentiful and hearty and there was always gin and alcohol available. Paul and Fiona were also such warm, lovely people and I can't wait until when I can go back."

Margaret River Ride

Jennifer West

"I had the best time at Jesters Flat with Fiona and Paul and all the ladies. They took such good care of us and have the best horses, all of whom far exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun ride with some good face paced intervals. Hopefully, I will be back!

Margaret River Ride

Christine Kerr

"What an amazing 5 days! Wish it was longer, I didn’t want it to end. I did this ride with my daughter, Mel and our dear friend Judy (82). We all had a ball and I know Mel and Jude feel the same as I do. I had the most amazing, beautiful Thoroughbred mare, Lil, to ride. Very willing, forward and super comfortable riding on a soft rein.We covered a lot of kilometres, some very quickly. Which was so much fun! Cantering/galloping through the wet bush and on the beach, exhilarating! Fiona and Paul and all their wonderful staff made our visit excellent. The accommodation was perfect and we ate and drank extremely well. We would all like to do it again!"

Margaret River Ride

Louise Spencer

"Paul and Fiona have gone above and beyond expectations on the Margaret River ride, from the amazing horses to the hospitality. Words cannot describe how much of a great time I had visiting them (and not wanting to go home). I will be back!"

Margaret River Ride

Mel Fairbanks

In respect to your guides, were you happy with their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality?

"Paul and Fiona were incredible hosts, nothing was a problem and their team of riders plus Sally & Keith were friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful."

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Mel Fairbanks

In respect to your guides, were you happy with their level of service, knowledge of the environment and hospitality? "Paul and Fiona were incredible hosts, nothing was a problem and their team of riders plus Sally & Keith were friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful."

Margaret River Ride

Jo Booth

"Oh please TAKE ME BACK! The Kimberley is so special, so huge and so RED. I can't believe I was trotting and cantering through such rugged and beautiful country and that we covered 100kms in 4 days riding. That trip will keep me warm through the blustery winter months till my next Globetrotting adventure. My

The Kimberley Ride

HELLO ASPIRING GLOBETROTTER!

Feel free to share your details below to receive our monthly e-zine that is jam-packed with our latest rides, special offers and valuable information on preparing for your next horse riding holiday.

Instagram

Why you’ll love our rides

I’ve been fortunate to explore the world from the back of a horse for the past eight years now. Our portfolio of rides are the bees knees in terms of top-notch horses, charismatic guides, changing scenery and colourful culture.